Goodbye to 2020 with a walk in the darkness, a visit to a lighted church, and a pot of tea on a table with some midnight cake!

 

                                   Midnight ends the year of 2020. Although I worked all day, I was able to finish my day with a walk in the darkness to a candlelit church where I prayed for family, friends, and strangers. Walking home in the bitter cold I rejoiced at the warmth of my humble studio condo and took a midnight cake out of the oven to enjoy with a pot of tea. 

How did you spend your New Years Eve 2020?

A healthy, happy, and prosperous new year of 2021 to everyone. May you be blessed by the LORD and feel the presence of angels protecting you through your life journey.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, "God Bless Us Everyone"

A CHRISMTAS CAROL (God Bless Us Everyone)

ENGLAND has many exceptional writers; one being Charles Dickens who wrote the Christmas classic, "A Christmas Carol." First published in England on December 19, 1843, (177 years ago) "A Christmas Carol" remains the most popular of Christmas stories. Every decade a new film version of "A Christmas Carol" is released and each year there are hundreds upon hundreds of stage performances of "A Christmas Carol" presented in various countries around the world. 

There's so much to learn when reading or watching "A Christmas Carol," One can observe how much brighter life is when a person offers kindness towards others and helps those in need. Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserable rich man who has no respect for Christmas and its meaning but the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future teach Mr. Scrooge some valuable lessons. The ending of course is wonderful because Ebenezer Scrooge becomes a changed man and spends his remaining life sharing his good fortune with family, friends, and strangers. He gives with his soul, strength, and mind.

December is coming to a close, and soon the Christmas celebrations will be put on hold until next year, but one should not wait to share the love of Christmas, just at Christmas time. For the new year of 2021, why not take some moments each day to be grateful for what you have, and spread the joy of goodness, kindness, and love towards others. Life is not always easy and has its share of sorrows, but life is certainly more of a shining light when we have faith, hope, love, and kindness towards one another. Mr. Scrooge should inspire us all and so should sweet Tiny Tim who says God Bless Us Every One!

Cherish the Birth of Jesus Christ!

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, even in a global pandemic, that's why it's important to just be still and cherish the simple things in life.  Today on Christmas Day, I'm grateful that I was able to walk to a nearby church and attend a short service, I'm grateful that I could afford food so that I could make homemade dishes to share with those dear to me, I'm grateful that I spent time in my humble dwelling place staying warm near the fireplace while the weather outdoors was frigid. I'm grateful that I was able to visit my Mother who has advanced Alzheimers, and communicate with her in a heartwarming manner.

Today, the 25th of December we honor the birth of Jesus who was born long ago in Bethlehem The angel who appeared to the shepherd the night of Jesus birth around c. 5 BC, said "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the LORD." Luke 2: 10-11 

How much more beautiful life is when we have faith and hope. With GOD all things are possible. When we celebrate Christmas, we're not only attending church services, gifting presents, singing carols, or sharing a festive meal with friends, and family, we are honoring GOD for coming down to rescue us from darkness and deliver us from a sinful world.

Let's cherish the birth of Jesus Christ and be thankful that the savior of the world is here to guide us and draw us near to him. 

Merry Christmas......Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

LYRICS TO "HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING"

Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace, Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings.

Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, 

Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, 

Glory to the new born King!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Christmas Journey

Every year in December, a church in my community called "New Hope" puts on an outdoor play, "Christmas Journey."Hundreds of people attend the weekend performances where actors are dressed in period costumes and live animals like camel, donkeys, goats, and sheep appear in the scenes. Although the coronovirus has kept me social distanced from activities I did feel led to appear in at least one performance of the CHRISTMAS JOURNEY this year. I arrived at the church at 4:30 pm to get my costume and meet some of the cast members. The pastor prayed with us and we all headed outdoors to our sets. My scene took place in  Bethlehem and I portrayed one of the peasants.        

For two and a half hours I acted out my part next to the darling goats, observing the visitors on the trail who were touched by the meaning of Christmas experienced through this journey. In between scenes trail angels came with hot cocoa, sandwiches, bottled water, and cookies to keep us energetic. Afterwards Pastor Rick thanked each of us for contributing to the success of 6 wonderful shows. 

It's moments like these that bring purpose to life. Being surrounded by animals, bonfires, pine trees, a talented cast of actors, and a devout audience make this whole journey a true blessing. JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!🎄🎄🎄🎄

Revisiting THANKSGIVING!

THANKSGIVING, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

THANKSGIVING was over two weeks ago. Preparing for it and celebrating with my loved ones kept me so busy that I never got to my blog, BUT it's never too late. In fact, reflecting on that day is as vivid as  just made stuffing. I was so happy to have Wednesday off so that I could cook some dishes ahead like butternut squash soup, broccoli casserole, sweet potatoes, and pecan pie. My poor Mother who has Alzheimer's can no longer cook which is sad because she was once one of the best cooks on the planet. My mother's caregiver Cecelia invited me to spend the night, so together we cooked up a few others dishes to serve for our festive meal.

On Thanksgiving Day, I spent the day at my mother's condo with Cecelia, my brother, and our pets Mila, the dog, and Sari the cat. It was all so simple and sweet. The greatest gift of course was having my Mother to share the holiday with. All of us enjoyed the bountiful delicious meal. My brother contributed the turkey and stuffing, and everything else was prepared by Cecelia and myself. We all ate seconds including the cat and dog. With my mother's Alzheimer's advancing, I cherish each day I have with her because it's truly a gift. I'm forever thankful for the precious moments of being with those I love especially on special holidays like Thanksgiving!  I hope all of you have some fond memories of Thanksgiving, and despite the coronovirus pandemic, I hope you have a blessed Christmas season.

Happy Birthday to my beloved Father (Born October 2nd) "Roman George Lypeckyj"

October 2, 2020

                                      HAPPY BIRTHDAY: ROMAN GEORGE LYPECKYJ                                                  

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beloved father who was born on the 2nd of October. Even though it's been many years since my father has passed away, I never forget his birthday. It always holds a dear place in my heart. This morning I spent my moments in church saying a prayer for him and lighting a candle in his honor. I was truly blessed to have an awesome father who was a class act. He was a highly intelligent man who spoke several languages and worked an an economist for Ford Motor Company. My father accomplished a lot in his life and one of his greatest gifts was his devotion to my mother, brother, and myself. 

TATO means father in Ukrainian and since we were Ukrainian I always called him "TATO." So in his remembrance, I would like to say:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATO!

Moments of Regret!

Where did the summer go? I can't believe we're approaching the end of August. All summer long I dreamed of traveling someplace outside of where I live and by the end of July I was desperate for a change because I was getting frustrated with everything.

Life works in mysterious ways, because in late July a friend of mine who lives on the East Coast invited me to take a trip with him. He too needed a change of scenery and offered me the opportunity to travel with him. Of course I couldn't turn down the offer even though I was a bit nervous about traveling several hours on the Amtrak train because of the coronavirus. 

I journeyed from Traverse City, Michigan to Toledo, Ohio, and took an overnight Amtrak train to Albany/Rensselaer to meet my friend who drove from Queens, New York. The train ride was pleasant and the train arrived right on time to Albany. I waited in the sweltering heat for my friend outside the station and about 20 minutes later he appeared.

We greeted each other and then the adventure began. It was a wonderful two weeks of exploring parts of New England and than relaxing for a few days in beautiful Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks Mountains. On the evening before my departure my friend encouraged me not to leave. "You're having so much fun and this trip is really helping you mentally. Why don't you stay another week?" I wanted to, I really wanted to but I was feeling guilty because my friend was paying for a big part of this trip and I didn't want to impose on him anymore.

I've been back home a week now, regretting everyday that I didn't stay longer. This trip was just what I needed and despite not getting a lot of sleep, eating too much unhealthy food, and having to be on constant guard of social distancing and avoiding crowded places, this vacation with my friend Frank was charming, idyllic, and magical. I miss the sun rising early in the morning, I miss our drives along the Atlantic Ocean, and eating seafood, I miss swimming in the lakes and kayaking, I miss eating ice cream cones and s'mores. I miss the bonfire and exchanging friendly conversations with incredibly amazing people.  I miss the mountains, and the farms, I miss the beautiful scenery and the carefree moments of being on a vacation. I miss the marvelous places we stayed at, and not having much responsibility.

REGRETS, are part of life. What I learned from this experience is that when you are blessed with such a splendid time in life that brings happiness, why hurry to leave it behind? I had so many unpleasant things happen to me before this vacation that taking this vacation and embracing it was what mattered.What a blessing this vacation was. It was like a miracle from the LORD to be granted such a lovely two weeks with a generous and thoughtful friend.

Oh, if only I could turn the clock back. Knowing what I do now, I would have been wise to accept Frank's offer to stay an extra week and embrace it with gratitude. However, I made the choice to leave and now I cannot turn back BUT I can hold on to the precious moments of this exhilarating trip that I'll forever cherish. I'm also glad that I was able to do acts of kindness for Frank too, and help contribute to the expenses of the trip.

I HOPE all of you get a well deserved break from life's responsibilities and can enjoy a FABULOUS vacation somewhere, sometime and most importantly not have any REGRETS!

I Will Punish Myself for my Stupidity

I am so stupid and I will punish myself for my stupidity. I just paid a hefty amount to a resort that makes tons of money. I was at fault, for a leaky toilet that caused damage to their ceiling. Even though I called a plumber to have the toilet fixed, water was still dripping and the resort told me that I must pay for the damage to their condo. The BIG shots always conquer. It's their world.

More money down the drain. Oh well, the LOVE of money is the root of all evil so let the privileged people enjoy their possessions and wealth. I will continue to be a "very unimportant person" and I will punish myself for my stupidity of not fixing the toilet quick enough. It's my fault and I will punish myself for a very long time for my stupidity. 

MOMENTS OF PUNISHMENT ARE WELL DESERVED!

Luck of the Delicious Michigan Mint Chocolates

Here in Michigan where I currently live there's a husband & wife team that own a chocolate company called Hanover's. They make delicious mint filled milk and dark chocolates imprinted with the state of Michigan map on them. I've known about these wonderful chocolates since I was in college but it wasn't until the past year that I started buying these chocolates when I started seeing how popular they're in northern Michigan.

The other day I was in a shop in Northport and they had a huge glass bowl of Hanover's chocolates which are now available in cherry   flavors in addition to the mint flavors. Of course I bought a handful of them and ate the of them by the next afternoon.

I love lucky days, like yesterday. I wanted more of those Michigan Mint Chocolates. Turns out that I had the privilege of spending part of the day with my Mother and on my way to visit her, I stopped at a shop in downtown Traverse City to get a treat and when  I walked over to the register, there sitting on the counter was a package of my beloved  Hanover's Michigan Mint Dark Chocolates.  It was the last package in the entire store and the package of 9 chocolates was reduced to only $2.00. Now that's what I call a stroke of good luck.

Isn't it terrific to have a treat on hand to brighten your day?  How about fresh picked blueberries, chocolate covered strawberries or an ice cream cone?  Maybe a slice of pizza? A buttery flakey croissant or a piece of decadent cake? Thank goodness for the pleasures of food to get us through the stressful times of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Today, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to something you really like to eat and enjoy moments of indulgence.

                       Treat yourself to something you like eating and enjoy moments of indulgence!

Death can Come at Any Time

Yesterday, I got unpleasant news from my brother that our cousin was found dead by his sister at his home. I was shocked beyond belief to hear this devastating news. Although my cousin and I didn't keep in touch these past few years I was always fond of hime. He was down to earth, intelligent, wise, and had the best sense of humor of anyone I ever knew.

RIP

Life is fragile, we don't know when our last breath will take place. I will always remember my cousin as a person who could brighten any room he walked into. He had the gift of putting a smile on people's facing, including my brother who rarely smiles. In fact my cousin and I joked often about how he really was the only person that could make my brother show his teeth and make him laugh.

Enjoy every moment of life. We're only here on this earth for a certain time and than we must die. Death is something we must all face someday, so appreciate the gifts of life.

BLESSINGS OF PRECIOUS MOMENTS TO ALL!

A Year of Anxiety (THIS TOO, SHALL PASS)

With the exception of the terrorist attacks in 2001, I can't recall a more darker side of life than in 2020. I can't even read the news anymore because my stress level rises to the top. This year is much different than any I've witnessed and it's only half over.

WHAT'S GOING ON?

1)  COVID 19, millions of cases around the globe

2)  SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES

2)  HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT RATES

3)  RIOTS

4)  HOT WEATHER, HIGH TEMPERATURES

5)  COIN SHORTAGES

6)  DEATH OF MANY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

7)  HAVING TO WEAR MASKS

8)  RISING SUICIDE RATES

9)  MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

10) LONELINESS

Regardless of what's happening there are still plenty of people who are living charmed lives. I can see it right in my community BUT for every person whose living a life of good times, another is dealing with bad times. I don't understand how an essential worker must continue to work hard for the same wage before the coronavirus outbreak, putting their life at risk while another is getting weeks of unemployment. Why is one person blessed with perfect health and wealth while another struggles with health issues and lack of funds? Why does one person have trust worthy friends while another is constantly being used by so called friends? If only everyone could have a piece of the world's wealth so that they can at least meet the basic needs of life necessities.

Unfortunately, I don't have the power to change the world but I'm learning that NOW more than ever we need each other to lean on. We need to help and support one another and try to do acts of kindness. If we can just do that, it would melt away so many stresses of what's going on in our country and across the globe. Although this is a year of anxiety for many people on the earth, the good news is that "This Too, Shall Pass." I BELIEVE good times will return again someday.

Oatmeal Cookies under a Shaded Tree in NORTHPORT

Yesterday, I took an amazing day trip to gorgeous NORTHPORT.This village on Lake Michigan is a gem in the summer when everything is green and lush. Time stands still here and yet there's plenty to do; bicycling, boating, cultural activities, hiking, picnicking, shopping, swimming, and tennis. There's a state park with camping sites and a lighthouse a few miles away and some farms too.

Although it was HOT yesterday I enjoyed every moment I had in this idyllic village with its lakes, ponds, streams, and waterfalls. Oh, how I longed to lay in a hammock under a tree, or sit on somebody's wraparound porch and drink some ice tea, but that wasn't possible.
However as luck would have it I did get to visit my favorite market for fruits, vegetables, and the best cookies around. The place is called"Bells of Christmas" and no matter what time of year you visit there's a feeling of "being home" here.

I bought a bag of the homemade oatmeal raisin cookies (the best ever) and asked the owner if I could sit near the garden. "Yes, and take your time," he replied. I took my time alright. For one hour I sat under a shaded tree in an Adirondack chair and ate one oatmeal cookie after another until there was only one left. What a treat. So in love with those cookies was I that I went back into the store to buy more. There were chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip, molasses , and oatmeal raisin.
Guess which ones I picked?

In the summer there's nothing more peaceful than sitting under a tree on a peaceful farm and taking in the serenity of nature. It's even better with some cookies. Enjoy yourself this summer, buy some cookies or make your own and have a little picnic under the shaded trees. JULY, the highlight month of summer.

                                  ENJOY YOUR SUMMER DAYS IN JULY AND BEYOND!

OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES ARE EASY TO MAKE;WITH ONLY 9 SIMPLE INGREDIENTS
IF YOU'RE A VEGAN REPLACE THE BUTTER WITH OIL, AND USE 1/4 CUP OF APPLESAUCE IN PLACE OF THE EGGS.

BAKIGN SODA
BUTTER
BROWN SUGAR
EGGS
FLOUR
QUICK OATS
RAISINS
SPICES
PURE VANILLA EXTRACT

The Worst of Times may be here but GRATITUDE is still important!

How are you fairing during these strange times? Some countries like Canada, Jordan, and Norway seem to be doing quite well compared to the United States during the coronavirus pandemic. There are some American's that are hardly affected by the current crisis, they have their elaborate homes, plenty of food, and their high income is still going strong. Maybe they can't have a large party gathering at their home, or take an annual vacation to countries like Bermuda, Italy, Greece, Peru, South Africa, or Tahiti (to name a few). This of course is disappointing to them but not as disappointing as those that really are suffering. There are the poor souls that are homeless, starving, or dying from COVID-19.

GRATUTDE is what to strive for during these uncertain times because no matter how tough times are there's something to be thankful for. I have a few examples below.

I'm thankful for the air I breathe.
I'm thankful for my senses.
I'm thankful for the sun.
I'm thankful for family and friends.
I'm thankful for a bed to sleep on.
I'm thankful for the birds and the trees.
I'm thankful for shelter.
I'm thankful for food.
I'm thankful that I can walk.

DO YOU HAVE THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR?


It's amazing how in one given day I hear about a single parent starving themselves on very limited income so they can feed their child. This parent is full of humility and grateful that they have a child and they go beyond and above to provide for that only child so that the child doesn't go hungry. On the other side of the coin is an entitled couple who walks around with their heads up high. They have high paying jobs during the pandemic,, healthy children, and own three properties, yet they have no consideration of others.They have loud barbecues on the complex, play different outdoor games and their spoiled children scream throughout the day and demand that they want this and that right now.  This family can make noise, and disturb others on the property but if anybody else makes a slight noise in the condo complex this couple will reprimand them for making noise. Time for some ego deflation folks. It's not fair that you have it so good.

Yes, life isn't fair. The world will always have their HAVE'S and HAVE NOT'S. It's a mystery why one  person lives a rather charmed life while another has tragedy and setbacks consistently. There's no answer to this puzzle. People say "life is what you make it." but it's funny that this statement often comes from those that have it pretty darn good.

It doesn't matter how hard one works. I was a devoted employee at my company, rarely requesting time off and always showing up and going beyond my call of duty. Others took extended vacations, refused to work certain days, and slacked off on the job and they're the ones who got the glorious appreciation from management and they're getting their unemployment benefits without a hitch while mine has been on stop payment for weeks.

I haven't been able to enjoy my car because my supposed boyfriend is always driving it. He leaves me stranded and claims that since I have asthma I shouldn't be around people due to the spreading of coronavirus. How ridiculous. Instead I've been relying on the bus and my bicycle to get me around and now I have an aching STYE in my good eye which has been painful and bothersome for five days. I'm tiered of being unemployed especially with no income.

Well, everything happens for a reason. I think SETBACKS are good. In fact I think every human being should have setbacks because we need more humble people in this world and less entitled people. If only there were more people with HUMILITY on this earth. LIFE is a roller coaster of up's and down's so those that are riding high, enjoy because what goes up must come down. That's just how life works for everyone, even multi millionaires.

WISHING EVERYONE ALL THE BEST DURING THESE BIZARRE TIMES! I personally think it's an awful time in life and that the only healing thing is NATURE. THANK GOD for NATURE.

I want to be like the birds who roam freely and enjoy MOTHER EARTH. They don't worry too much about where they'll find food and shelter and GOD takes care of them.

No matter if it's the best of times or the worst of times, there's always something to be thankful for.GRATITUDE is so important right now. GRATITUDE, GRATITUDE, GRATITUDE  Ignore the entitled and selfish folks and focus on the good in life. I BELIEVE that some day those that have little will be given more and those that have too much and boast will be given less.

HUJBLE YOURSELF AND YOU'LL BE EXALTED; EXALT YOURSELF AND YOU'LL BE
HUBLED! THE LORD LOVES HUMBLE PEOPLE!

The Piano

PIANO MOMENTS

IF there's one thing I can mention that I missed during the coronavirus lockdown, it's the PIANO. Even before the coronavirus I hadn't played for a couple of months but now when there was time at last to practice, no piano to be found anywhere. So I was delighted when almost six months later I finally had access to a piano. I was at a Bible study and adjacent to the room where we had our study was a piano all covered up. After our study I asked if I could play and the answer was "YES."

Oh, how good it felt to run my fingers across the keyboard and play all my favorite music on the piano. I even had a small audience. Now, whenever I'm yearning to practice the piano, my friends at the church tell me I can practice anytime and that's exactly what I do. Now that's an answer to a prayer!

Is there something you yearn to do when you have plenty of moments in your life?

Pizza, Seagulls, and Me

Upon returning from beautiful Empire which is part of the "Sleeping Dunes National Lakeshore," I was hungry. A peanut butter and jam sandwich and a small brownie were filing at the beginning of the day but not at 4:45 pm when the sun was burning on my skin and there was still another 9 miles of bicycling ahead of me. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on eating so I settled for a $5.00 small cheese pizza. that was hot and ready. When I opened the box I knew I couldn't eat all that pizza. There was enough pizza there for three people to enjoy. I found a place to sit outdoors and ate a few slices of pizza. What was I to do with the leftovers? I had no place to put the slices of pizza and the pizza box was too big to carry on a bicycle.

I had an idea. I could feed the seagulls that were flying up above me.  I grabbed a pizza slice and lifted it over my head to show the seagulls that I had food for them. I cut the pizza slices into small pieces and placed them on a ledge for the seagulls to reach. Within seconds one seagull appeared, than another, and another. Soon there were about ten seagulls eagerly waiting their turn for a taste of the pizza. I was thrilled, my pizza didn't go to waste. It went into the stomachs of adorable hungry seagulls who deserved to be fed.

NO ACT OF KINDNESS, GOES UNRECOGNIZED, THANK GOODNESS FOR SEAGULLS!

Birthdays come once a year!

JUNE BIRTHDAY

I woke up this morning, realizing it was my Birthday. It's always hard to be a year older, unless you're turning 21. The one thing I'll be doing today is showing gratitude for what I do have; I'm grateful for the air I breathe, for my senses, for shelter, food, and water, for nature, friends, and my Mother. It doesn't take long to grow a list of things to be thankful for. Cake, that's another thing to be thankful for. A piece of delicious cake on a warm Spring day. Birthday's come but once a year so I think I'll celebrate my day today and savor all the moments of another day of life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THOSE OF YOU BORN IN JUNE!

When life brings you lemons, have a picnic

With all the negative things happening in the world right now every human being is probably pessimistic. Life does brings us lemons but it's also good to stay hopeful and positive through bad times so that the light at the end of the tunnel will finally appear.

I myself feel much better when I'm in nature. This morning I was up early and sitting near the water reading "The Game of Life and How to Play It" and "Keep Calm and Trust God." In those few minutes of serenity, I came across birds, ducks, and seagulls. Their love of nature and appreciating what they have really brightened my soul. These creatures seem to be content despite obstacles.

I happened to bring along a small basket of food for a morning picnic. As I enjoyed my sandwich, I took some extra bread I had brought along to share with my friends (birds, and ducks) They were grateful and I was grateful, and I realized how something as simple as a small picnic can make all the difference in the world. 

So when life brings you lemons, have a picnic.

Honoring the Canadian Geese

                                They may be cute, but beware of Canadian Geese!


It makes sense that Canadian Geese flock to a place I live called"The Shores" condo complex located on Lake Michigan Bay. They have a large bay, with connecting creek's and it's the perfect spot to bring baby goslings into the world. Water, water, everywhere and those geese love it. There's only one challenge. Geese aren't fond of human beings so everyday I have to alter and adapt to staying out of their way or else I'll get a big scream from them and even a few bites. I'm so scared of Canadian geese these days that I do everything in my power to be at least 200 yards away from them.


The other day I was heading to my favorite spot to sit and do some reading. Guess who was there? The Canadian geese....so I had to find another area to sit and read. No problem, but minutes later they decided to navigate towards where I was sitting and I had to move as not to upset them.Everyday, I have to revolve the way I maneuver through the grounds as not to get in their way. It's always refreshing when the ducks and seagulls appear because they're gentle waterfowl creatures and they appreciate any treats I might offer them. I wouldn't do that with the Canadian geese because I try to stay at least 300 feet from them as not to get harmed.

Am I crazy for having a fear of Canadian geese? No, I don't like to have moments of anxiety and stress, so I avoid them at all costs. In fact "You Tube" has quite a few uploads of people's encounters with geese and some of them aren't pleasant to look at.

Yes, Canadian geese are GOD'S creatures and they deserve to enjoy life like all animals and waterfowl, so I have no choice but to honor them and respect their privacy and keep my distance.As if social distancing from humans hasn't been enough, now I'm social distancing from Canadian geese. But....thanks to ducks and seagulls that also flock here, I'm forever grateful because they're much more gentle and appreciative of human beings.

Hello Canadian Geese.....can you hear me? Please try to be nicer. I have no intention of harming you or your precious babies, please try to share the grounds here at "The Shores" with dignity.

Nature brings us precious moments but beware of those Canadian Geese!

I shall continue to honor and respect GEESE!

Tea & Scones

A worldwide lockdown. Some have it worse than others. In some part of the planet people are stranded and without any food or water, it's so sad. As depressed as I am during this whole pandemic it's refreshing to turn to a few pleasures like having some tea with a scone.

Just made myself some tea and sat outdoors to sip on tea and eat a homemade vegan blueberry scone. It's simple pleasures like this that make the day brighter. Stay strong, stay positive, BE WELL!

Take time for simple pleasure!

Lost in Minneapolis

The city of Minneapolis may be cold and off the beaten path but that didn't stop me from boarding a bus a few weeks ago and heading there via Chicago. Trust me, when you're so burnt out that you can't think straight and a fortune cookie gives you the message "You need a change of scenery, take a break," that's a sign to take the leap.                          

As soon as I boarded the bus, the adventure began. I immediately met some interesting people to talk to and they shared all kinds of stories with me on the bus trip. One man I met was flying out of Chicago to spend several            months living in someone's backyard in Hawaii. He was grateful to me for recommending a hostel near the bus stop in Chicago and both of us shared an UBER to the hostel. At the hostel I met an inspirational woman who despite being homeless several times was full of strength and wisdom. I hope she wins a million dollar lottery someday.                                                                  

My day in Chicago was fun-filled and that evening I was back at the bus station to take the overnight bus to Minneapolis. Every seat was taken on the bus and I couldn't have met a kinder person to sit next to than a chef named William. It was a 7 hour bus ride and I hardly got any sleep until about an hour into Minneapolis when I managed to fall asleep for just a few short minutes and screamed from a nightmare.      

                                A statue of the famous Mary Tyler Moore in downtown Minneapolis

At 6:00 am the bus arrived in downtown Minneapolis and I was pleased that the darkness suddenly turned into light. I had no idea where I was headed when I left the station but I trusted my instincts and walked through the theater district which led me to Nicollet Mall (one of the best streets in downtown Minneapolis). All of a sudden I saw a familiar figure on the street, a statue of associate television producer Mary Richards, the famous fictional character of the "Mary Tyler Moore" television show that was set in Minneapolis. I now felt at home and couldn't wait to explore all that Minneapolis had to offer. I packed a lot of activities from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm from walking the skywalks to seeing the original Pillsbury Company flour mill on the Mississippi River. I made it to the Mall of America and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, ate at a delicious all you can eat Indian buffet at Bombay Palace, and indulged in delectable chocolates at CandyLand.

                                          Minneapolis sits on the Mississippi River

It was nearing 3:00 pm and suddenly all seemed to go wrong, my phone was dead, my charger wasn't working, and  I couldn't find 300 Clifton, the address of my Airbnb. I was lost and hopeless until I walked into a Starbucks on Franklin Avenue. A kind male barista at Starbucks heard my dilemma and gave me the good news,"You're very close to 300 Clifton, and I'll guide you in the right direction." Fifteen minutes later I finally made it up the steps of the beautiful home and was greeted by Katie. She showed me around the elegant home, offered me some water, and gave me her spare phone charger to keep for good. I felt like I was on the set of "Downton Abbey," a popular British television show. 

I loved my cozy room on the top floor. It was furnished so nicely and the spacious shower with high pressure of toasty warm water cleaned away all my stresses from the long bus ride and miles of walking around Minneapolis. Now I was in grand luxury, the ultimate Airbnb in a former mansion that once was the summer home of a major Hollywood movie star. What a blessing to be staying in such luxury for only $59.00 a night. A breakfast of fresh baked scones, fresh fruit, coffee, and tea was included as was luxury chocolates. There was a piano to play in the living room, a library with fireplace, a kitchen for making light meals, a spiral staircase leading to the bedrooms, a laundry room for washing clothes, and a carriage house with board games, a jacuzzi, and antique cars.

                                                The exquisite dining room at 300 Clifton
                                              

I will cherish my three days in Minneapolis because of the brilliant sights, the hospitable people, my elegant accommodations, endless cultural stimulation, and a chance to de-stress and explore. Lost or not, Minneapolis opened my head and heart to new ideas, and new beginnings. 

Wishing you moments of adventures and inspiration, now and always! Go ahead, take a trip at the spur of the moment and see what awaits you, but please wait until Coronavirus 19 disappears!

Angie, Chocolate Muffins, and Coffee!

Can you recall a day when you were feeling down and somebody brightened your day with a kind gesture? You might have felt as if everything was going wrong and that one special person you encountered changed your gloomy moments into bright moments.

It's a lovely feeling to be thought of when you're feeling unimportant. It can be the smallest of things but that smallest of things can do wonders.

A big thank you to Angie who fills in as a manager
on Mondays, when our manager Andra is off. I woke
up Monday to one of those days where one thing after another
seemed to be going wrong. I was getting criticism from family
and friends, and nobody seemed to be on my side.

Then....I arrived to work and there was sweet Angie with a container
of just made chocolate muffins. "Help yourself to a chocolate muffin,"
she said as I was settling in to do my tasks. I took a bite of the decadent
chocolate muffin and couldn't wait to eat more. "Would you like a cup
of coffee with your muffin? asked Angie as she looked through a box of
K-cups.

"Yes, please," I replied. Three minutes later Angie handed me a cup of
coffee as I indulged in the chocolate muffin. I should have been working but
Angie treated me like I was a special guest instead of an employee and  it felt
W O N D E R F U L.

Unimportant folks like myself aren't use to getting much royal treatment at work but Angie certainly made me feel important on that Monday. I thanked Angie and let her know just how much she made my day.

It doesn't take much to be kind. Any small act of kindness is certainly appreciated.
Let's have gratitude for the simple things in life and be kind to others!

99% of Success is just showing up!

This morning I woke up with lots of anxiety. I felt so hopeless and lost, as if I was the only person in the world with no talents or skills. I didn't even want to go to work, but somehow I managed to motivate myself to just go because 99 percent success is just showing up.

When I took my break this afternoon at work I sat at the piano and quietly played some classical and contemporary music.One of my co-workers heard me as she walked by and yelled out "I'm impressed, keep playing and don't shy away." She came over to the electronic piano and put the volume up so that I could be heard. I was a bit embarrassed but to my surprise others gathered near the piano and listened to me and encouraged me to keep playing.

Sometimes when we're in the dumps and feel worthless all it takes is one person to make a difference. I'm forever grateful to "BIZ" my co-worker who also plays the piano for giving me some recognition this afternoon in front of other people especially since I started the day feeling so discouraged with myself.

It's true, 99% of success is just showing up because you never know what's waiting for you. So just show up!

Tomorrow is another Day!

Every morning if we're lucky we wake up to another day.
Some days might be wonderful, others not so much, and
some might be down right miserable.

Life with it's rollercoaster ride gives us seconds, minutes, hours, days, week, months, to try to do the best and be the best we can despite the obstacles and challenges. Some of us have more opportunities than others, more successes than others, better health than others BUT there's usually something to be grateful for.

Whatever your dreams or desires, whatever your goals, whatever you yearn for or which to accomplish, may 2020 bring you the best
things that life has to offer!

HAPPY 2020!

This year try to keep a journal and write a paragraph or two about
the day you had or wish to have. Everyday write down something
that you are thankful for; seeing the sun rise in the morning, being able
to quench your thirst with pure water,  having the gifts of sight, hearing,
feeling, touching, tasting.....and remember there's always something to be
thankful for whether your day is bright or not.

TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY!